Multinational Enterprises and Prospects for Regional and Global Political Integration

Abstract

Multinational enterprises are potentially important forces for regional integration. At the same time, however, extra-regional enterprises may weaken some integrative process forces—primarily ones concerned with identity—and worsen some conditions for integration—primarily those related to distributive equity. Thus projections must be made case by case. The large number of variables makes projection about global integration hazardous. Three simple models represent the approaches taken by various authors, but thus far there is only slight evidence for the validity of any of the models. Moreover, the models are applicable primarily to developed market economy countries. If multinational enterprises are bringing global political integration, it is far from being a universal process.